Be Consistent

Scripture:
1-3) Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  “Honor your father and mother”–which is the first commandment with a promise– “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
4) Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.  Ephesians 6:1-4 NIV

Observation:  Paul’s instruction to children & parents.

Application:  Like so many other bits if scripture, we parents need to be careful to not just remind our children of verses 1- 3 of Ephesians 6 and forget that there is more. Tucked very neatly in verse 4 as a follow-up is instruction which we parents must strive to adhere to, “…do not exasperate…”  In most instances I believe that exasperation is the result of inconsistency. I know that to be true in my case. If we lovingly and consistently bring our children up in reverence of the Lord, I believe that they will “obey and honor” as Paul advises that they should.

Prayer:  Father, I ask that you continue to refine me in consistency. I want only to guide others to you by example and I believe that inconsistency inhibits the ability to do that. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen

Doug